Approval Ratings Drop for Senators Who Opposed Background Checks

The polling numbers are out, and for those Senators who “stood idly by the blood of [their] neighbors” (Leivitcus 19:16) and opposed the Manchin-Toomey amendment to expand background checks, those numbers aren’t looking very good. Americans are demanding that Congress take action, and are not taking “no” for an answer.

However, new polling data suggests that the enthusiasm around a campaign for expanded background checks has yet to dwindle. A survey released by Public Policy Polling, which focused on five Senators whose “no” votes are considered to be responsible for killing the amendment, reveals just how unpopular it is to oppose gun violence prevention measures.

Senator Lisa Murkowski (R-AK) has seen a 16-point drop in her approval rating over the past 3 months.

Senator Jeff Flake (R-AZ) now sits with a dismal 32% approval rating.

Senator Mark Begich (D-AK) has seen a 6-point drop in his approval rating since the vote.

Senator Rob Portman (R-OH) is suffering from an 18-point drop in his approval rating. The Senator is likely losing support from both Democrats and Republicans based on his near-simultaneous opposition to gun-violence prevention measures and his embrace of gay marriage respectively.

Senator Dean Heller (R-NV) has seen a 15-point drop in support among Nevada Independents.

Senator Mary Landrieu (D-LA) has seen her approval rating rise by 6 points.

52% of North Carolinians say that they are more likely to vote for Senator Kay Hagan (D-NC) because of her support for background checks, compared to just 26% of those who say that they will be less likely to support her.

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[…] who overwhelmingly demand that Congress expand background checks, there is still room for optimism. After the Senate failed to pass the Manchin-Toomey compromise amendment, those Senators who cast the… The tide is in the favor of gun violence prevention legislation, and although it is slow to […]